Meet the Women’s Basketball Freshmen

What makes a champion? Rigorous training, top notch coaching, determination, and a hunger to win are certainly necessities… but our George Fox women’s basketball team also brings extra personality and a true love for the game. The team has nine freshmen this year, and each has proven to be a fierce competitor on the court, and a strong presence on the George Fox campus. If you haven’t run into these athletes yet, we’d love to give you an introduction and tell you a little bit more about what makes these Freshman Bruins a force to be reckoned with.

MADELYNN KROTZER

If your friends could describe you in 3 words…1. Positive 2. Loyal 3. Nurturer
My number one strength is positivity, which means to have enthusiasm, be encouraging, and to have uplifting characteristics by getting others excited about what they are doing. I love supporting others and helping them do their best, I want to see them succeed. I care for other people and want to see others having a good time with what they are doing.Favorite/First Memory Playing Basketball:The passion for basketball began at a young age when I was five years old during the summer before my kindergarten year of elementary school. There was something fascinating about this game of basketball and I quickly became intrigued. A few short months later, I participated in my first basketball camp. I absolutely fell in love with the game and basketball became a significant part of my life, from there I had the opportunity to play on my very first basketball team when I was in third grade.

EMMA KLYM

Favorite show and why?
I love to watch Disney movies! As a little girl I would watch them over and over. My favorites have changed over time as new ones come out but I still love them all. They are always wonderfully made and have a positive message and a lesson to learn. I love how all the princesses and other main characters stop at nothing to achieve their dreams, and it just gives me inspiration to follow my own and I know there will be hardships in life and people that might not believe in me, but it is a good reminder to never let them bring me down or give up!Favorite quote and why?
One of my favorite quotes is “Be a pineapple; stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside”. I want to live my life as a strong independent person like a princess who wears a crown and doesn’t appear to let anything get to her but have kindness and a giving heart on the inside. It is important to be confident and believe in yourself but also let others in and show them love and gratitude.

EMILY HOLDER

Why did you come to George Fox?

I came to George Fox because I was drawn to the basketball team’s outstanding reputation, the coaches, and the Christian focus of the school. I also knew that we have a really high job placement rate and good business program.

Favorite quote and why?

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior Who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” -Zephaniah 3:17 I am so thankful to have the all-powerful God with me wherever I go, promising to love, protect, and take great delight in me.

Favorite memory at George Fox so far?

My favorite memory at George Fox so far is our trip to Disneyland – it was so much fun to get to run around the happiest place on earth with my teammates! We ate way too many snacks and rode Splash Mountain three consecutive times.

EMILY SPENCER

Most embarrassing moment on the court?

That would have to be during my first travel game. I came in after half time, and took the ball all the way to the wrong basket. Luckily I heard everyone yelling at me and didn’t shoot it but i was very close. I kept wondering why nobody was running back to play defense on me.

Favorite memory at George Fox so far?

I loved our team retreat earlier this season to the Oregon Coast. The coast was beautiful and we were all able to take a short break and get to know each other on and off the court.

HAILEY HARTNEY

What’s your favorite TV show?

My favorite show is Friday Night Lights because the acting is great and I love all of the characters. Plus, who doesn’t love football and Tim Riggins?? I’ve watched the whole show 3 times. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!!

What’s your favorite memory at George Fox so far?

Going to California with my team! We won both of our games and played really well and we got to go to Disneyland for a day! We all had so much fun together.

HALEY STROWBRIDGE

Who’s your favorite basketball player?

My favorite basketball player is Elena Delle Donne because she is very family oriented. She had the chance to go to any school she wanted but yet decided to stay closer to home so she could be with her sister. She carries herself with poise, on and off the court, and is just an overall inspiration.

Why did you decide to attend George Fox?

When I started my college search, I had great mentors in high school who reminded me that I am a student before I am an athlete and that should be the deciding factor for choosing a college. So, when I began looking around, I knew two things: one, that I wanted to major in biology and be able to follow the pre-med track, and two, I wanted to play basketball. Luckily for me, Michael Meek found me and introduced me to the world of Fox. I immediately fell in love with the campus, the biology department, and that God was a part of each and everyone’s lives here. I committed for basketball and track a couple of weeks later.

What’s your favorite quote?My favorite quote is “per aspera ad astra” which means “through hardships to the stars.” It resonates deep with me and it’s something my english teacher my freshman year of high school wrote in every book he gave me. It empowers me and hits home.

ASHLEY-ALOHI KIKO

Who’s your favorite basketball player?

My favorite is LeBron James because he the best in the world. I’ve been a fan of him since the 3rd grade, and even did a autobiography on him then.The passion he has for the game, his leadership, hard work, and hustle always shows every time he steps onto the court. His ability to get things done in every aspect of the game is inspiring. He has a lot of respect, and he has a lot of haters, but he just plays his game and dominates like the King he is.

What’s your first basketball memory?

In the third grade, I got to play with my older brother in a co-ed league. It was the best thing ever, besides him always trying to block my shot and steal the ball from me because I wasn’t good at dribbling. He helped me become better that season and it was a lot of fun.

ALYSSA ST. PETER

What’s your first memory playing basketball?

The first time I ever played basketball was for the boys and girls club near my hometown in 3rd grade. I had no idea what I was doing so I just ran back and forth. About half way through the game my coach called a timeout and told us, “You guys are doing really good.” And I just remember thinking, “We are? Sweet!”Who is your favorite basketball playerof all time?

That would have to be our assistant coach, Kelsey Khaw, because during the very brief amount of time that I got to see her play during the alumni game she was easily the swiftest person I’ve ever seen step on the court (some might say like a bird).

KYLIN COLLMAN

Who’s your favorite basketball player?

My favorite basketball player is Kobe Bryant. I always loved watching him be a clutch player on TV when I was younger. I was able to go to watch a few of his games and one time I got the opportunity to meet him and take a picture with him.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Before I started playing basketball I used to be a dancer. I would go to competitions to perform and during my last year of dancing I won nationals.

What’s a random fact about you? I LOVE purpleMost embarrassing moment on the court?

Once when I was playing in a game with gum in my mouth and it flew out onto the court. I didn’t have time to pick it up and throw it away, and I didn’t want anyone to step on it. So I had to grab it and put it back in my mouth.